Centennial teacher accused of drinking, doing drugs with student out of classroom during investigation

PORT ST. LUCIE — A St. Lucie West Centennial High School teacher accused of drinking and doing drugs with a student is free on bail Friday, but "will not return to the classroom while the investigation continues," according to officials.

Elizabeth Hatzidakis, 33, was arrested Thursday at the high school on Southwest Cashmere Boulevard in Port St. Lucie.

A 17-year-old boy told St. Lucie County Sheriff's investigators he took painkillers, drank beer and smoked "weed" with her at her house in June until they passed out on her couch.

Hatzidakis was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Investigators also found a small amount of oxycodone in her purse, and a small amount of marijuana, a "bong" and other items in her home. She was arrested on an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance — a felony — and misdemeanor charges of possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was released from the St. Lucie County jail Thursday night on $19,000 bail.

A man who identified himself as Hatzidakis' husband declined immediate comment Friday, saying he was collecting his thoughts.

Janice Karst, St. Lucie County School District spokeswoman, said via email that Hatzidakis wasn't in school Friday and "will not return to the classroom while the investigation continues."

Meanwhile, neighbors of Hatzidakis, whose listed address is in the 1200 block of Southwest San Esteban Avenue in Port St. Lucie, seemed surprised by the accusations.

"They've just been quiet people, they've been pleasant and no problems," said neighbor Rick Auxier. "Unfortunately, it seems to be a little bit more of a trend, we're seeing more and more indiscretions in the public school system. For whatever reason it is and it seems to be very odd as to what's going on."

Another neighbor, 19-year-old Adrianna Stevens, said she used to attend Centennial.

"All my friends were on Facebook yesterday (Thursday) writing everything about her like how nice she was," Stevens said.

"Just seeing her come out and looking professional you would never think that she would do anything like that."